By late 2021, significant updates for the Windows built-in Notepad text editor had become so infrequent that even a subtle redesign and a few new settings were hailed as a major improvement. However, since then, updates have become considerably more frequent, with a noticeable shift towards incorporating generative AI features. This trend reflects Microsoft’s broader strategy to enhance user experience across its suite of applications.
In November, Microsoft initiated testing for a groundbreaking update that allows users to rewrite or summarize text within Notepad using generative AI. This feature has now evolved with the introduction of a new capability called Write, which enables users to create AI-generated text from scratch based on simple instructions. This innovation aims to differentiate it from the earlier Rewrite feature, enhancing the usability of Notepad for writers and editors alike.
To access these AI features, users must be signed into a Microsoft Account, as they utilize a monthly allotment of Microsoft's AI credits. According to a support page, users without a paid Microsoft 365 subscription receive 15 credits each month, while those with Personal and Family subscriptions benefit from 60 credits monthly. It’s important to note that all AI capabilities in Notepad can be disabled in the app’s settings. Users opting for a local account will not have access to these generative AI features.
In addition to Notepad, Microsoft is also rolling out preview updates for two other fundamental Windows applications: Paint and Snipping Tool. Both of these applications had not seen substantial updates prior to the Windows 11 era, but the recent changes focus heavily on AI functionalities. For instance, Paint now includes a sticker generator and an AI-powered smart select tool designed to help users isolate and edit specific elements within their images.
Upon launching Paint for the first time, users will encounter a new welcome experience screen that guides them through the mostly AI-related features that have been added over the past couple of years, enhancing creativity and ease of use.
The Snipping Tool is also receiving notable upgrades, including a new color picker that allows users to identify the hex, RGB, or HSL values of colors found in screenshots. Another exciting addition is the perfect screenshot option, which automatically crops app windows or other elements displayed on the screen, eliminating the need for manual editing post-capture. This advanced feature utilizes local processing rather than cloud computing, meaning it requires users to have a Copilot+ PC. As a result, it does not consume AI credits but is only compatible with newer PCs equipped with certain Qualcomm Snapdragon, Intel Core Ultra, or AMD Ryzen AI processors.
These updates are currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels, which receive new features more rapidly than the Beta or Release Preview channels, albeit with less stability. While not all features may reach the general public, those that do are expected to be released in the coming weeks or months, further enhancing the functionality of these essential Windows applications.
